Cardon Cacti under full moonlight
The Cardon Cactus is the tallest cactus species in the world and here in the Atacama Desert can grow up to 10 meters tall.
When you reach 3,000 m.a.s.l here in the desert you immediately notice a change on the horizon. That change is the magnificent Cardon Cacti that grows only in altitudes from around 2,800m to around 3,500m. Standing tall, they grow at an incredibly slow pace of 10cm per year, with some of the tallest reaching up to 10 meters or more.
They flower around spring time for a few weeks maximum. Amazingly, when they eventually flower the flower stays open for 24 hours before drying up and closing. So the race is really on for the insects and birds to pollinate and keep their legacy going.
The flower of the Cardon remains open for only 24 hours
t. peruvianas
